Thursday night's must-see Texas high school football games for Week 5

As district play gets rolling across parts of the state, the schedule won’t be filled with as many major state-ranked showdowns – especially on Thursday nights. But there are still some quality matchups, including important district clashes, worth checking out this week. Here are four to keep an eye on: New Braunfels (3-1) vs. New Braunfels Canyon (1-3) It’s a crosstown rivalry game known as the ‘Wurst Bowl’ – if that name isn’t intriguing enough to grab your attention, this year’s matchup at Cougar Stadium is getting a lot of attention. It’s the DQ Big Game of the Week, and DCTF’s own Greg Tepper and Max Thompson will be in attendance as well. New Braunfels has won three straight over the Cougars, but those three games have been decided by a combined 24 points. Canyon has been close and will look to claim its first win in the series since 2013. Despite getting off to an 0-3 start, Canyon enters with momentum on its side after a 38-13 win over Wagner to open District 27-6A play. The Unicorns’ only loss came to Converse Judson last week, so the team will be looking to bounce back to grab its first district win. The game will likely come down to whether or not Canyon is able to even remotely contain New Braunfels QB Ryan Redding, who has accounted for 1,109 total yards and 17 touchdowns this year. Cypress-Fairbanks (2-0) vs. Cypress Ranch (2-0) In a matchup between two of the top programs in the Houston area, Cy Fair will be looking for its first win over Cy Ranch since the 2013 season. The Mustangs have had the Bobcats number of late, but it should be another excited matchup between two perennial playoff teams. Both teams have big name college prospects leading the way – Cy Fair three-star RB Trenton Kennedy and Cy Ranch four-star OL Colten Blanton (Texas A&M). Kennedy scored two second-half touchdowns to help lead the Bobcats back from a 14-0 deficit against Cypress Springs, while Blanton anchors the offensive line for a Mustangs’ offense that likes to establish the run. The winner will remain atop the District 17-6A standings while also sending the loser down a peg into a crowded back of teams fighting for a playoff spot. CC Veterans Memorial (4-0) vs. CC Miller (3-0) Both Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial and Corpus Christi Miller are undefeated to start the season, but the teams have reached that mark in dramatically different ways. Miller has two thrilling overtime wins – over CC Carroll (44-38) and CC Moody (34-28) – and a 26-13 victory over CC King. Veterans Memorial, on the other hand, has dominated its competition. The Eagles, who have 21 of 22 starters back from last year, have outscored their four opponents 213-28 – including a 42-7 win over CC Ray last week. Veterans Memorial will look to get its explosive ground game going behind the play of Frank Jones (586 yards, 8 TDs), Aaron Lugo (348 yards, 4 TDs) and quarterback David Soto (607 total yards, 8 TDs). Miller and first-year coach Justin Evans will have to slow that trio down to remain unbeaten. Wylie East (1-3) vs. Mesquite Poteet (2-2) One of the premiere matchups in the DFW area features a pair of running backs who have been putting up stellar numbers. Wylie East RB Corbin Johnson has rushed for 805 yards and 13 TDs already this season, but Poteet’s Dez Bridgeford has been impressive as well. Bridgeford, who is filling in for the injured Seth McGowan, tallied 208 yards and four TDs in a 49-35 win over Forney last week. Coming off a heartbreaking 70-65 loss to North Forney, Wylie East will need to step up defensively in hopes of getting back on track in District 15-5A play. Poteet has won two of the last three games between the teams, including a 26-14 win last year.

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